The Proussaefs maneuver has been introduced to clinicians as an immediate reaction to clinical situations where undetected respiratory depression has resulted to a suspected oxygen desaturation. It is proposed as the first reaction a clinician might demonstrate any time the pulse oximeter indicates a reading below 90.

With the described maneuver, a clinician can simultaneously provide head tilt, jaw thrust, listen to patient’s respiratory sounds, observe patient’s chest movements, and look at the monitor.

Description of the Proussaefs maneuver:

When an oxygen desaturation is suspected (i.e. pulse oximeter readings start to be below 90), the clinician needs to follow the following steps:

and not the hand, this enables you to simultaneously use your hand to provide a jaw thrust maneuver. Tt the same time, keep all fingers on both hands in tight contact ready to provide jaw thrust maneuver.

contact this provides then needed support to the index fingers to complete the jaw thrust maneuver. Please the index fingers at the two corners of the mandible. This will provide a stimulus to an oversedated patient to initiate independent breaths. Push the mandible forward; this will open the airway and assist the patient in ventilating.

Step 3: Tilt your head and place you ear close the to patient’s nose and mouth.

This will enable you to listen to the patient breathing (or confirm not breathing). If not breathing is confirmed, then proceed with the O.P.T.I.M.A.A.L. technique. While listening to the patient’s breathing status, observe the patient’s chest for respiratory movements (or efforts) and at the same time keep looking at the monitors

Dr. Proussaefs has been applying this technique for more than 10 years for every patient experiencing signs of respiratory depression. The Proussaefs maneuver has been taught at the California Institute of Dental Education for more than 5 years, and it has been applied by clinicians who have followed Dr. Proussaefs courses in adult oral sedation.

To schedule a dental procedure using the Proussaefs maneuver, please call (805) 676-1063 or contact one of our previous alumni of the CIDE adult oral sedation certification course who have been implementing the Proussaefs maneuver:

Previous Alumni of the CIDE adult oral sedation certification course who have been implementing the Proussaefs maneuver:

Simultaneous with the jaw thrust movement place your index fingers at the corner mandible andand Push

Frontal view of the maneuver.

At the same time, observe patient's chest movements and keep and eye on the monitor.

Place the tips of your index fingers at the corner of the mandible and push the mandible forward.

View of the maneuver above the Head

Position your head so that your ear stays next to the patient's nose and Mouth.Audit any breath sounds

The Proussaefs maneuver, an overview

Testimonials

A definite must take class for any dentist to further your career. You will learn a lot.

Kevin Chou DDS, general dentist, Bakersfield.

Dear Dr. Periklis Proussaefs,
Thank you for the wonderful course. I was doing conscious sedation for many years and took several renewal courses. Yours was indubitably the best. Very informative. Extremely to the point. Clear and very captivating. I learned a lot this Sunday and started work on Monday refreshed, energetic, and eager to use all my new knowledge. I strongly recommend this course to doctors who are willing to introduce sedation to their practice or the ones who need renewal.
Thank you.